“I love you.” His voice trembled. “You and only you. I love you so much that I can’t breathe.”
“You’re breathing right now,” she pointed out, still trying to be mad at him while her heart was thumping wildly in her chest.
“Well, that’s because I’m using your air. It’s because you’re in my arms. Kacey, I’m never letting you go.”
“Good.” She reached for his neck and pulled his head down so their mouths could touch. His lips parted. Home. “I love you too.”
She felt his mouth form a smile beneath their kiss, and then he lifted her into his arms and twirled her around the room. “Does that mean you’ll stay?”
“If you ask nicely and promise not to throw things or pull my hair.”
“You know I can’t promise those things. I’ll probably pull your hair, jump on you, and push you against the wall. And I’m pretty sure in a few minutes you’ll be screaming my name.”
Kacey felt her knees turn to jelly.
“But…” He placed her back on her feet “…I can promise to love you forever.”
“Are you asking me to live in sin with you, Travis Titus?”
“No.” His eyes darkened as he got down on one knee in front of her. “I’m asking you to be my wife.”
****
“Kacey?” Travis was still on his knee. “Aren’t you going to say something?”
“I thought a long pause was necessary after what you put me through tonight.”
“I don’t like long pauses.”
Kacey shrugged. “Too bad.”
Travis raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, …Satan.”
“Aw, see? We already have pet names!” Travis jumped to his feet and picked her up again.
“Where are we going?”
“To celebrate,” he answered gruffly.
“Where?” She giggled.
“The bedroom. Where else?”
“You can’t propose to a girl then sleep with her,” Kacey pointed out. “It doesn’t work that way!”
Travis paused and placed her on her feet. “Wine on the porch?”
Kacey nodded her head. She didn’t trust her voice not to squeak with excitement.
“You’re beautiful when you smile like that.” Travis touched her cheek with his hand.
“You make me feel beautiful.” She looked down.
“Don’t do that, don’t look down when
I give you compliments.”